Three Cities in One Day: Porto, Nazare and Obidos from Lisbon

Quick Overview
This full-day tour from Lisbon takes you on a whirlwind journey through three of Portugal’s most captivating destinations: Obidos, a picture-perfect medieval walled town; Nazare, renowned for its giant surf waves and lively fishing harbor; and Porto, Portugal’s second city, famous for its historic center and stunning Douro River views. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan for about 12 hours, including a mix of guided walks, free time, and sightseeing highlights. The tour costs around $107.77 per person, which includes transportation, some guided visits, and plenty of opportunities for authentic tastings and photos.

What we love: First, the way this tour packs so many diverse sights into a single day—ideal if your time in Portugal is limited. Second, the focus on authentic experiences, from wandering cobbled streets in Obidos to enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Nazaré. But a word of caution: with just short stops at each location, you’ll need to be comfortable with a busy schedule and some long travel hours. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided introduction to Portugal’s highlights without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

Convenient all-in-one day: Visit Obidos, Nazaré, and Porto without the stress of self-driving or navigating.
Authentic cultural stops: Walk through medieval streets, visit iconic sites like Forte de São Miguel, and see Porto’s UNESCO-listed old town.
Guided commentary: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of Portugal’s history, culture, and local traditions.
Long but rewarding day: Expect around 12 hours of travel and sightseeing—be ready for a full-day adventure.
Limited time at each stop: Stops are brief; plan to enjoy the highlights rather than in-depth exploration.
Value for money: The price includes transportation and guided tours, making this a practical way to see multiple sights in one day.

In-Depth Review: What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins early, with check-in at Hotel Fénix in Lisbon at 8:00 am. You’ll hop into a comfortable minivan, which is air-conditioned—a blessing on hot days—sharing the ride with a group of up to 30 travelers. The overall length of the tour means a good chunk of time is spent on the road, but the bus is spacious and smooth, helping to ease the fatigue of a long day.

Obidos: Medieval Charm in a Walled Town

Your first stop is Obidos, renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and enchanting cobbled streets. The guided walk here lasts about 45 minutes, giving you a chance to soak in the atmosphere—imagine walking through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses with brightly colored doors, all surrounded by ancient walls. The highlight is the Castle of Óbidos, declared one of Portugal’s 7 wonders, perched high on the hilltop, offering excellent photos.

Reviewers appreciate the guide’s local expertise, noting that “the narrow cobbled streets immediately transport you to a medieval atmosphere.” However, with only 45 minutes, you’re doing a quick stroll rather than a deep dive. Some mention that this feels a little rushed, but it’s enough to get a good sense of the town’s character.

Nazaré: From Fishing Village to Surf Haven

Next, you head to Nazaré, a lively fishing town famous worldwide for its gigantic winter waves. The visit includes a stop at Forte de São Miguel, a strategic spot for watching the surf and capturing photos of the coast’s rugged beauty. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, so don’t expect to hang out for long, but it’s enough to appreciate the dramatic coastline and perhaps snap some iconic shots of the surf.

The walk through O Sitio, the hilltop neighborhood, takes around 45 minutes. Here, you’ll see religious buildings, quaint streets, and the medieval fortifications that have stood for centuries. Many reviews highlight the charm of walking through these streets, which are popular with pilgrims and locals alike. The guide will point out notable churches and shrines, adding context to this historic district.

Traveling to Porto: The Long Ride

After Nazaré, it’s onto Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, about 3 hours away. This part of the journey can feel lengthy, especially after a full morning of sightseeing. But once in Porto, expect a guided 2-hour walk around its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, filled with colorful houses, historic churches, and the famous six bridges crossing the Douro River.

Exploring Porto’s Highlights

Your guide may take you to Torre dos Clérigos for panoramic city views or stroll along the riverfront. There’s time for a quick, self-guided lunch—many travelers opt for local tapas-style dishes or a quick sit-down meal in one of the traditional restaurants, though some reviews warn about hectic, slow service at the included or recommended eateries. Still, sampling local specialties here is a treat.

Other sights include Igreja do Carmo, with its striking tiled facade, and Estação São Bento, renowned for its ornate tile work. The tour concludes with a 3.5-hour transfer back to Lisbon, arriving around 9:00 pm.

The Experience and Its Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• Diverse Destinations: Visiting Obidos, Nazaré, and Porto in one day gives a broad taste of Portugal’s different landscapes and atmospheres—from medieval streets to lively coastal towns and historic urban centers.
• Guided Insights: The guides are generally praised for their local knowledge, making history and culture accessible and engaging. As one reviewer said, “Juel our tour guide was extremely informative and educational,” which adds depth to your visits.
• Authentic Atmospheres: The stops at O Sitio in Nazaré and the medieval walls of Obidos feel genuine, not overly commercialized, allowing you to enjoy Portugal’s charm.

Challenges and Considerations

• Time Constraints: With only about 45 minutes in Obidos and Nazaré, and just two hours in Porto, you might feel rushed, especially if you want to explore more in-depth or take photos leisurely. Several reviews mention this, noting that “the time in Nazare (20 mins) & Obidos (1 hour) was limited.”
• Long Travel Hours: The 3-hour drive to Porto means a significant amount of the day is spent in transit. If you’re someone who prefers more relaxed pacing or in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit exhausting.
• Group Size and Languages: With up to 30 travelers, and the challenge of multilingual commentary, there can be moments of confusion or feeling overwhelmed, as some reviews point out. The guide’s efforts to communicate in multiple languages can sometimes dilute the experience.

Practical Tips for Making the Most

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks for the long bus rides.
• Be prepared for some quick visits; decide what’s most important to you—whether it’s snapping a photo or walking through a town.
• If you’re hungry, plan ahead for lunch options outside the included or suggested places, especially if you want to enjoy local cuisine without rushing.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want a broad overview of Portugal’s highlights in a single day without the hassle of planning individual excursions. It’s especially suitable if you’re short on time but eager to see a mix of medieval towns, lively coastal villages, and historic city streets.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a guided experience with some storytelling and context. Those who enjoy scenic drives, brief walks, and cultural sights will find this tour rewarding. However, if your priority is to explore each location more deeply or avoid long bus rides, you might consider fewer destinations or a more leisurely pace.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see Portugal’s diversity in a single day. While the itinerary is packed, it balances travel with sightseeing, guided by knowledgeable guides who bring the places to life. Expect a full schedule that covers stunning towns, lively coastlines, and historic centers—perfect if you’re eager for a quick yet meaningful introduction to Portugal.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy organized tours and don’t mind a long, busy day. If you’re comfortable with some rushing and want to maximize your limited time, this experience provides excellent value. But if you prefer deep dives into each town, consider extending your stay or choosing smaller, more focused tours.

Overall, it’s a smart pick for those who want to see a lot in one day without the hassle of logistics—a good way to turn a brief visit into a memorable experience.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning around 9:00 pm.

What stops are included in the tour?
You’ll visit Obidos for 45 minutes, Nazaré for about 30 minutes, and Porto for roughly two hours, plus additional guided walks within those towns.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned minivan is included from and back to Lisbon.

Can I choose to skip meals?
The tour includes a 1-hour window for lunch, with options for a group meal or free time if you prefer to explore local restaurants independently.

Are the sites accessible?
Most sites involve walking on cobbled streets and some uphill areas like O Sitio in Nazaré, so comfortable shoes and moderate mobility are recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if it’s sunny or rainy.

How much time is spent on the bus?
Most of the day is on the bus—about 3 hours total—so prepare for some lengthy rides between stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the long hours and walking involved. It’s best for children who enjoy bus trips and walking in historical towns.

In the end, this tour delivers a snapshot of Portugal’s charm, perfect for travelers eager to tick off multiple highlights in one go. With its mix of guided storytelling, scenic views, and authentic towns, it’s a solid choice for a memorable Portugal day trip.